The Carnival in Oruro

The Oruro Carnival lasts for 10 days each year before Lent in the Andes mountains of western Bolivia. Featuring music, dance and crafts, it is highlighted by a ceremonial parade lasting 20 hours, covering 4 kilometres and involving 20,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians. The carnival reinforces the cultural identity of the community, and attracts more than 400,000 people. You can see some examples at Oruro Photo Gallery to give you yourself a small vision.

Today's carnival has its origins in the great festival of Ito celebrated by the Uru people since pre-Colombian times. The Spanish forbade the Uru rituals in the 17th century, but they continued disguised as Catholic liturgy. Andean gods were integrated into Christian images, the Andean divinities were worshipped as Catholic saints. Aspects of the festival of the Ito have been appropriated and continue to be expressed through a Christian ritual celebrated at Candelmas (February 2).

Threats: The decline of mining and traditional agriculture, deforestation and migration threatens the culture of Oruro. Urbanization, an increasing generation gap and financial exploitation of the cultural heritage are other factors.

Action plan: A law protecting the national heritage and an intellectual property code covering traditional and popular culture are planned. A carnival museum is envisaged, along with festivals celebrating masks and costumes, and the winter solstice. A Carnival of Carnivals will bring together examples of carnivals from interested towns.

Oruro's Carnaval has become Bolivia's most renowned and largest annual celebration. It's great time to visit, when this somewaht unfashionable mining city becomes the focus of the nation's attention. In a broad sense, these festivities can be described as re-enactments of the triumph of good over evil, but the festival is so interlaced with threads of both Christian and indigenous myths, fables, deities an traditions that it would be inaccurate to oversimplify it in this way.

The origins of a similar festival may be traced back to the medieval kingdom of Aragon, these days part of Spain, although oruereños (Oruro locals) maintain that it commemorates an event that occurred during the early days of their own fair city. Legend has it that one night a thief called Chiru-Chiru was seriously wounded by a traveler he'd attempted to rob. Taking pity on the wrondoer, the Virgin of Candelaria gently helped him reach his home near the mine at base of Cerro Pie del Gallo and succored him until he died. When the miners found him there, an image of the Virgin hung over his head. Tofay, the mine is known as the Socavon de la Virgen (Grotto of the Virgin), and a large church, the Santuario de la Virgen del Socavon, has been built over it to house the Virgin. The Virgen del Socavon, as she is also now known, is the city's patron. This legend has been combined with the ancient Uru tale of Huari and the struggle of Archangel Michael (san Miguel) against the seven deadly sins into the spectacle that is presented during the Oruro Carnaval.

Ceremonies begin several weeks before Carnaval Oruro itself, with a solemn pledge of loyalty to the Virgin in the sanctuary. From this date on, there are various candlelit processions, and dance groups practice boisterously in the citys's streets.

As well as traditional Bolivian dance groups, such as the Caporales, Llameradas, Morenadas and Tinkus, Oruro's Carnaval Features La Diablada (Dance of the devils). These demonic dancers are dressed in extravagant garb. The design and creation of Diablada customes has become an art form in Oruro, adn several Diablada clubs - consisting of members from all levels of Oruro society- are sponsored by local business. There are anywhere from 40 to 300 dancing participants, whose costumes may cost several hundres dollars each.

The main event kicks off on Saturday before de Ash Wednesday with the spectacular entrada (entrance procession) led by the brightly costumed San Miguel character. Behind him, dancing and marching, come the famous devils and a host of bears and condors. The chief decil Lucifer wears the most extravagant costume, complete with a velvet cape and an ornate mask. Faithfully at his side are two other devils, including Supay, an Andean god of evil that inhabits yhe hills and mineshafts. The procession is followed by other dance groups, vehicles adorned with jewels, coins and silverware (in commemoration of the achura rites in which the inca offered their treasures to Inti - the sun - in the festival of Inti Raymi), and the miners offer the year's highest-quality mineral to El Tio, the demonic character who is owner of all underground minerals and precious metals. Behind the follow the inca characters and a group of conquistadores, including Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro.

When the devils and the archangel arrive at the soccer stadium, they engage in a series of dances that tell the story of the ultimate battle between good and evil. After it becomes apparent that good has triumphed over evil, the dancers retire to the Santuario de la Virgen del Socavon at dwan on the Sunday, and a mass is held in honor of the Virgin, who pronounces that good has prevailed.

There's another, less spectacular entrada on Sunday afternoon, and more dance displays on the Monday. The next day, Shrove Tuesday, is marked by family reunions and cha'lla libations, in which alcohol is sprinkled over worldly goods to invoke a blessing. The next day people make their way into the surrounding countryside where four rock formations - the Toad, the Viper, the Condor an the Lizard, are also subjected to cha'lla as an offering to Pachamama. Plenty of the spirit is sprinkled down the revelers' throats as well.

How to get to Oruro

Oruro is well related with departments of La Paz, Cochabamba and Potosi and countries like Argentina, Chile and Peru, you will see information about transport to Oruro by Buses and Trains.

Buses to Oruro

• La Paz - Oruro by Bus: Several daily departures from 6:30 in the morning to 22:00 with 4h trip, in Carnaval Period more buses and more departures is available which practically 24h service is available from and to La Paz. Companies like Andino, Avaroa, Trans Copacabana are recommended in this route.
• Cochabamba - Oruro by Bus: Several daily departures from 6:30 in the morning to 22:00 with 4h trip, in Carnaval Period more buses and more departures is available which practically 24h service is available from and to Cochabamba. Companies like Trans Azul, Naser, Danubio, Trans Copacabana are recommended in this route.
• Potosi - Oruro by Bus: Several departure at 7:00, 11:00, 13:30, 22:0 and 22:30, the trip lasts 5.5h. Companies Trans Azul and Bustillos are recommended in this route.
• Arica (Chile) - Oruro by Bus: Several daily departures at 7:00, 11:00, 13:30, 22:0 and 22:30 with a trip that lasts 7h. There are chilean and bolivian companies with similar services.
• Iquique (Chile) - Oruro by Bus: Several daily departures at 7:00, 11:00, 13:30, 22:0 and 22:30 with a trip that lasts 7h. There are chilean and bolivian companies with similar services.

More information about buses from Argentina and Peru visit How to Get to Bolivia, with information about buses to Bolivia.

Trains to Oruro

• Villazon - Uyuni - Oruro by Train: Three departures a week. This is the best option if you are traveling from Uyuni to Oruro or from Argentina to Oruro, visit Trains to Bolivia to get more information about timetables, fares, days of service, and categories of train.

Flights to Oruro

• Does not exist commercial flights to Oruro. The nearest commercial airport in El Alto International Airport (La Paz city Airport), from here takes 4h trip to get Oruro.

Basic Information over Oruro

Weather: Oruro offer typical Altiplano weather and it means frezzing temperatures at night and hot days (blue skies all day). Click Weather in Bolivia, to get average temperatures and forecasts to Oruro
Electricity: 220V
Money Exchange: Easy to change money in Oruro, no problems to change US Dollars, Euros, argentinean pesos, chilean pesos and travellers checks.
Internet: Easy internet access, you will see internet cafes almost in every street.
Emergency: Bolivian Police toll free number is 110.
Inmigration: Located in the corner of Soria Galvarro bet. Ayacucho and Cochabamba. Tel 5251923.
Laundry: Many Limpiezas around central market and main plaza 10 de Febrero.
Tourist Info: Located just in front to Train Station.
Special Care: The Oruro Carnaval gets many bolivian and foreign visitors, which unfortunately makes to Oruro a city for scams. Be careful with distracting people and fake policemen. NEVER give your values to anybody (with uniform or not) and always ask to leave you to nearest Police Station.

Oruro Carnaval Calendar

Click Oruro Carnival Calendar for carnaval oruro 2013 and following periods than 2013.

Accommodation

Bookings in Advance
Accommodations are often booked solid during Carnaval (La Diablada parade), so make your reservation (usually three days minimun) early, at least two weeks prior Carnaval period. Expect to pay up to five or six times the normal price for a room.
BoliviaHostels.com offers lodging options by the bus station, train station, but by far the most interesting place to be is in the centre.

How to Book?

• All Hostels / Hotels showed in this web page accept bookings for Carnaval Oruro 2013 that includes the three days of the festival (8/feb - 10/feb). It means you can arrive early and stay after carnaval 2013, but is MANDATORY book from 8/feb - 10/feb of 2013 too. No Exceptions.
• Prices showed on this web page are per person and per night (marked in red and bold).
• A Bank Deposit or Money Transfer via Western Union for the Total of Accommodation is required to confirm a booking for Carnival Period.
• Choose your favourite hostel / hotel and click on Book Now button. After that you will be redirected to the hostel page (Availability and personal details are required to follow). The booking request ends when we send to your email address a Booking Request Form with the information you will need to make a fast and safe Bank Deposit or Money Transfer via Western Union. Note, the booking request form is NOT a confirmation.
• After you fill out the Booking Request Form with the information regarding to your reservation, you have to send us back the Booking Request Form by fax or email.
• Once we receive the fax/email and check the Bank Deposit / Money Transfer we confirm your reservation as soon as possible by email sending you a Booking Confirmation.

Bank Deposit or Money Transfer via Western Union?

• If you are inside Bolivia when are you making a booking request, we suggest make a bank deposit (free of charge than Western Union).
• If you are outside Bolivia when are you making a booking request, we suggest make a Money Transfer via Western Union. Western Union charges a small fee and is worldwide available. You can make a bank deposit too, but commissions are by far more expensive and you have to pay a commission to the sender bank and another commission to the beneficiary bank.

ALOJAMIENTO SAN JUAN DE DIOS-Oruro, Bolivia calle Velasco Galvarro No. 6345 entre Murguia y Aldana Tel.: +591 72447164 Fax: +591 2 6230523 E-mail: sanjuan@boliviahostels.com

BOOK YOUR BED NOW!! Price per room and per night Room Type Rates in USD * shower/toilet facilities in room We 06 Th 07 Fr 08 Sa 09 Su 10 Mo 11 Tu 12 Double Bed Room Private Private Bathroom * Single Room Private Shared Bathroom Twin Beds Room Private Shared Bathroom Double Bed Room Private Shared Bathroom 3 Beds Room Private Shared Bathroom 6 Beds Dormitory Mixed Dormitory Shared Bathroom This place ONLY accept bookings for Carnaval Oruro 2013 that includes the three days of the festival (8/feb - 10/feb) showed in yellow in this box.

HOSTEL PICTURES ABOUT ALOJAMIENTO SAN JUAN DE DIOS-Oruro Alojamiento San Juan de Dios, Best budget accommodation on Oruro city centre located just in front to Oruro Train Station and just 100m from Carnaval Oruro 2013 Festival. The friendly staff will help you enjoy your holidays in Oruro. The hostel has private rooms with private bathroom and other ones with shared bathroom, clean rooms, hot water all day, snacks and sodas available at reception. BOOK NOW

GRAN HOTEL BOLIVIA-Oruro, Bolivia Calle Rodriguez #131 entre 6 de Agosto y Velasco Galvarro Tel.: +591 72447164 Fax: +591 2 6230523 E-mail: boliviaor@boliviahostels.com

BOOK YOUR BED NOW!! Price per room and per night Room Type Rates in USD * shower/toilet facilities in room We 06 Th 07 Fr 08 Sa 09 Su 10 Mo 11 Tu 12 Single Room Private Private Bathroom * Twin Beds Room Private Private Bathroom * Double Bed Room Private Private Bathroom * 3 Beds Room Private Private Bathroom * Single Room Private Shared Bathroom Twin Beds Room Private Shared Bathroom Double Bed Room Private Shared Bathroom 3 Beds Room Private Shared Bathroom This place ONLY accept bookings for Carnaval Oruro 2013 that includes the three days of the festival (8/feb - 10/feb) showed in yellow in this box.

HOSTEL PICTURES ABOUT GRAN HOTEL BOLIVIA-Oruro Gran Hotel Bolivia is a brand new hotel close to parade at Carnaval Oruro 2013 (less than 50 meters from big parade avenue). The hotel has rooms with shared bathroom and others with private bathroom. Parking is available and a restaurante and pharmacy is also available in the hotel as well. BOOK NOW

HOTEL REPOSTERO-Oruro, Bolivia Calle Sucre # 370 entre calle Potosi y calle Pagador Tel.: +591 72447164 Fax: +591 2 6230523 E-mail: repostero@boliviahostels.com

BOOK YOUR BED NOW!! Price per room and per night Room Type Rates in USD * shower/toilet facilities in room We 06 Th 07 Fr 08 Sa 09 Su 10 Mo 11 Tu 12 Single Room Private Private Bathroom * Twin Beds Room Private Private Bathroom * Double Bed Room Private Private Bathroom * 3 Beds Room Private Private Bathroom * This place ONLY accept bookings for Carnaval Oruro 2013 that includes the three days of the festival (8/feb - 10/feb) showed in yellow in this box.

HOSTEL PICTURES ABOUT HOTEL REPOSTERO-Oruro Hotel Repostero is the traditional hotel in Oruro. Just three blocks from main square and easy to get restaurants, central market and Oruro Carnaval Parade. BOOK NOW

HOTEL BERNAL-Oruro, Bolivia Calle 21 de Enero #616 esquina calle Brasil Tel.: +591 72447164 Fax: +591 2 6230523 E-mail: bernal@boliviahostels.com

BOOK YOUR BED NOW!! Price per room and per night Room Type Rates in USD * shower/toilet facilities in room We 06 Th 07 Fr 08 Sa 09 Su 10 Mo 11 Tu 12 Twin Beds Room Private Private Bathroom * Double Bed Room Private Private Bathroom * This place ONLY accept bookings for Carnaval Oruro 2013 that includes the three days of the festival (8/feb - 10/feb) showed in yellow in this box.

HOSTEL PICTURES ABOUT HOTEL BERNAL-Oruro Hotel Bernal, a good hotel in town and just in front to Oruro Bus Station and two blocks from the big avenue where the parade in carnaval take place. This well runned place will is a ideal place to dates Oruro Carnival 2013 Diablada. The hotel has private rooms with complete bathroom. We offer helpul staff, dining room, parking and good value breakfast. BOOK NOW

ALOJAMIENTO SAN IGNACIO-Oruro, Bolivia Calle Backovis # 580 Tel.: +591 72447164 Fax: +591 2 6230523 E-mail: ignacio@boliviahostels.com

BOOK YOUR BED NOW!! Price per room and per night Room Type Rates in USD * shower/toilet facilities in room We 06 Th 07 Fr 08 Sa 09 Su 10 Mo 11 Tu 12 Single Room Private Shared Bathroom Twin Beds Room Private Shared Bathroom Double Bed Room Private Shared Bathroom This place ONLY accept bookings for Carnaval Oruro 2013 that includes the three days of the festival (8/feb - 10/feb) showed in yellow in this box.

HOSTEL PICTURES ABOUT ALOJAMIENTO SAN IGNACIO-Oruro Alojamiento San Ignacio the cheapest place to Oruro Carnival. Clean, affordable, friendly staff and just two blocks from Carnival Oruro 2013 parade. BOOK NOW

Listed below are all the properties in Oruro for Carnival 2013. For your convenience we have added a summary of each properties information into a table for you to enable you to make quick comparisons between these properties and help you in your decision about which property to choose.

									Price per 3 nights & per room (8/feb - 10/feb) in USD
	Facilities								Private Bathroom			Shared Bathroom
Hotel Name									Single	Double	Triple	Single	Double	Triple
HOTEL EDEN-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL VILLA REAL SAN FELIPE-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL BRIGGS-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
FLORES PLAZA HOTEL-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL GRAN SUCRE-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL GALAXIA-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL LIPTON-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL MONARCA-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL REPOSTERO-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL VILLAFUERTE-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL INTERNATIONAL PARK-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL SU MAJESTAD PALACE-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
GRAN HOTEL BOLIVIA-Oruro									0	0	0	0	0	0
HOTEL SAMAY WASI-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
ALOJAMIENTO SAN JUAN DE DIOS-Oruro									--.--	0	--.--	0	0	0
HOTEL BERNAL-Oruro									--.--	0	--.--	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL LUCERO-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOTEL HOUSTON-Oruro									0	0	0	--.--	--.--	--.--
HOSTAL HIDALGO-Oruro									0	0	0	0	0	0
ALOJAMIENTO COPACABANA-Oruro									--.--	--.--	--.--	0	0	0
ALOJAMIENTO FERROCARRIL-Oruro									--.--	--.--	--.--	0	0	0
ALOJAMIENTO LA PAZ 2-Oruro									--.--	--.--	--.--	0	0	--.--
PUB THE ALPACA-Oruro									--.--	--.--	--.--	--.--	--.--	--.--
RESIDENCIAL IDEAL-Oruro									--.--	--.--	--.--	0	0	--.--
RESIDENCIAL SAN SALVADOR-Oruro									--.--	0	0	0	0	0
ALOJAMIENTO IGNACIO-Oruro									--.--	--.--	--.--	0	0	--.--

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